CVE-2020-7940: Weak Password Strength Checks in Plone
Summary
CVE-2020-7940: Missing password strength checks on some forms in Plone 4.3 through 5.2.0 allow users to set weak passwords, leading to easier cracking. Affects plone versions >= 4.3, < 5.2.1. Fixed in 5.2.1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Plone is an open-source content management system built on top of the Zope application server. It provides a robust and flexible platform for creating and managing websites, intranets, and web applications. Plone is widely used due to its security features and extensibility. However, versions 4.3 through 5.2.0 of Plone suffer from a vulnerability that allows users to set weak passwords without proper strength checks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Plone arises from the absence of password strength checks on certain forms. This oversight enables users to choose weak passwords, which can be easily cracked by attackers. Weak passwords pose a significant security risk as they can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, compromising sensitive information and potentially leading to further attacks.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 6.2.2 as of 23 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "plone==6.2.2"Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
5.2.1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "plone==5.2.1"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, as a general best practice, users can manually enforce strong password policies by educating and encouraging users to choose passwords that meet certain complexity requirements. This can include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication can provide an extra layer of security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Plone versions 4.3 through 5.2.0 are vulnerable to weak password strength checks, allowing users to set weak passwords that can be easily cracked. To address this issue, it is crucial to upgrade to Plone version 5.2.1 or later, which includes the necessary password strength checks. Additionally, enforcing strong password policies and implementing multi-factor authentication can further enhance the security of the system. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability is that users can set weak passwords, making it easier for attackers to crack them and gain unauthorized access to user accounts.
Versions 4.3 through 5.2.0 of Plone are affected by this vulnerability.
There are no known exploits for this vulnerability at the moment. However, it is crucial to address this issue promptly to prevent potential attacks.
Yes, a patch is available in Plone version 5.2.1. It includes the necessary password strength checks to mitigate this vulnerability.
While upgrading to the latest version of Plone is the recommended solution, implementing strong password policies and multi-factor authentication can provide additional layers of security against password cracking attempts.
References
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